Premier Cricket Program mid-season update

We've reached the midway point of the season and ACA members taking part in the Premier Cricket Program have produced some impressive results around the country.

The ACA launched its Premier Cricket Program this season to support ACA members in their post-cricket lives via a program that retains them within the Premier Cricket pathway.

Over 100 ACA Members are engaged in playing and/or coaching roles across 83 premier clubs throughout Australia.

There are a number of batsmen leading the way in their respective competitions. 15 of the members involved in the program as players are averaging over 40. Greg Mail continues to pile on the runs as the all-time leading run scorer in Sydney premier grade cricket. His unbeaten 164 in round seven of the Sydney competition puts the amazing milestone of 15,000 1st grade runs within reach before season's end.

For the Bowlers the first half of the season has seen ACA Members in the program produce eleven five-wicket hauls. Scott Walter playing for University of Queensland has been a standout taking three five wicket hauls this season with best figures of 7/33.

Some other great results from the program include Anthony Kershler at the age of 47 proving that age was no barrier, taking 5/18 to kick off Hawkesbury’s season with a win against reigning premiers Manly.

In the South Australian Premier competition, five of the top ten bowling performances belong to members of the ACA Premier Cricket Program.

While these on-field results are terrific, great feedback has also been received in regard to the impact our members are having in the training track with their coach's hats on.

Preliminary results of a mid-season survey of the program indicate more than an 80% satisfaction rating that the ACA Premier Cricket Program is having a positive impact and achieving its objectives of:

Narrowing the gap between Premier Cricket and first-class cricket

Providing a higher level competition for all players involved in Premier Cricket

Growing a sustainable program that ensures Premier Cricket remains the lifeblood of Australian cricket

"The program has been most useful to our club, especially in the development of our younger players. To have two players/coaches with the experience and skill to work one on one with our younger players has been invaluable in assisting our club to move to the next level." - Tea Tree Gully Cricket Club – South Australia

"This is a great initiative and we have seen some real benefits from our ACA member working with our club." - Wynnum Manly District Cricket Club - Queensland